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  1. Getting Public Sector staff back into the office a step towards fixing bureaucratic inertia

    The Public Service Minister yesterday made clear her expectations for government agencies to call their staff back to their offices in an effort to improve sector productivity and support businesses struggling with reduced patronage.Minister Nicola Willis told media that working from home “is not an entitlement” and wants to...

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  2. Tararua District Council Blames Mythical “Systems Failure” for Rates Snafu

    One News reported last evening that a council mistake in calculating direct debits has landed more than 300 Tararua ratepayers with unexpected bills. One pensioner was reduced to tears when informed she was $4,000 in arrears. The council reported that the error was caused by a systems failure,...

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  3. Revealed: Gisborne’s ‘Better Off’ funding is three waters continued waste

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act that Gisborne District Council has allocated $7,210,000 to seven projects from the previous government’s three waters reform – better off package.Although Gisborne District Council remains one of the few councils to keep rates increases below 10% –...

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  5. Govt spends more than $27 million on low emission subsidies for heavy vehicles

    The Ministers for Climate Change and Energy have announced the launch of the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund.  This fund allocates $27.7 million dollars towards a 25% subsidy towards the purchase price of low emission heavy vehicles.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“This announcement is another example of...

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  9. Wellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway StationWellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway Station

    Wellington Regional Council has today released documents showing that, in partnership with Metlink, more than $2.8 million in “cosmetic upgrades” has been spent on Naenae subway station. The upgrades include a $127,000 LED handrail, $29,000 on a public consultation questionnaire, and more than $159,000 on entrance signage.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about Wellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway StationWellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway Station

  11. Nicola Willis' New Social Investment Agency Doubles Budget and Raises Salaries

    Earlier this week, The Post reported that Nicola Willis’ newly established social investment agency is able to draw from double the budget of its predecessor.Staff salaries at the agency are reported to be an average of $148,215, compared to the overall average salary of $97,200 across all other agencies....

    Read more about Nicola Willis' New Social Investment Agency Doubles Budget and Raises Salaries

  12. Taxpayers' Union launches tool for taxpayers to find out whether their personal data has been exposed in IRD data leak

    The Taxpayers’ Union has launched an online Privacy Act Request tool at www.IRDLeak.nz for taxpayers to find out whether their private information has been handed over to social media platforms by the Inland Revenue Department.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:"Last week IRD were caught red-handed misusing private taxpayer information. Instead of...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union launches tool for taxpayers to find out whether their personal data has been exposed in IRD data leak

  13. MPs in Depth: Suze Redmayne

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, Suze Redmayne.Suze was elected as the MP for Rangitikei at the 2023 General Election. Suze and her...

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  14. Taxpayer Update: RIP John Bishop 💔 | New Poll 📊 | Even more "white guilt" workshops 😬

    RIP John BishopThe update below was scheduled to go out on Saturday morning, but just prior to sending we learned the very sad news that our founding Chair, former TVNZ political editor, and father to Cabinet Minister Christopher Bishop, had passed away unexpectedly.So it is a very sombre note...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: RIP John Bishop 💔 | New Poll 📊 | Even more "white guilt" workshops 😬

  16. Taxpayers’ Union comment on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

    Taxpayers’ Union comment on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New ZealanderThe co-founders of the Taxpayers’ Union - David Farrar and Jordan Williams - are sad to reflect on the unexpected passing of John Bishop, who chaired the organisation’s Board from the Union’s inception in...

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  17. Taxpayers’ Union comments on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

    The co-founders of the Taxpayers’ Union - David Farrar and Jordan Williams - are sad to reflect on the unexpected passing of John Bishop, who chaired the organisation’s Board from the Union’s inception in 2013 until 2017.“John should be saluted for having the guts to front the Taxpayers’...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union comments on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

  18. MFAT spending still failing to make the grade as $5m spent on private schools

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that MFAT has once again spent almost $5 million dollars on private school fees for MFAT employees between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“With Kiwis crushed under their tax burden, all...

    Read more about MFAT spending still failing to make the grade as $5m spent on private schools

  19. MPs in Depth: David MacLeod

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, David MacLeod.David is the MP for New Plymouth and was elected at the 2023 general election. He...

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  21. Taxpayer Update: An apology 😢 | IRD job security 🔒 | Watercare's secret deal 🤫 | Golden bike rack? 🚲🏆

    🚨🚨 APOLOGY 🚨🚨Green Councillor demands we set the record straightIn the last edition of Taxpayer Update James told you about Greater Wellington Regional Green Councillor Thomas Nash who led the local government bemoaning criticism of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's speech to local councils where the PM told them...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: An apology 😢 | IRD job security 🔒 | Watercare's secret deal 🤫 | Golden bike rack? 🚲🏆

  22. Metlink spends more than $1.3 million on seven toilets

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can report through an Official Information Act that Metlink has paid $1,300,245 dollars (inc. GST) for a project to install seven toilets in Wellington, exclusively for the use of bus drivers. The locations of the toilets include Houghton Bay, Darlington Road, Wilton, Mairangi, Lyall Bay, Highbury and...

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  23. South Taranaki proves Luxon right

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act that South Taranaki District Council’s new cultural centre (Te Ramanui O Ruaputahanga) has blown out from a starting point of $8 million to $20.1 million.As Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told mayors and councillors who attended the...

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  26. Canterbury bridge blowing out $13.5 million budget with nothing to show for it

     Despite Kaikōura District Council’s project to rebuild the Waiau Toa/Clarence River Glen Alton bridge after the Kaikōura earthquake being eight years deep, the Council have still not even managed to gain the appropriate resource consents or buy the necessary land. This is despite the New Zealand Transport Agency’s...

    Read more about Canterbury bridge blowing out $13.5 million budget with nothing to show for it

  27. MPs in Depth: Jamie Arbuckle

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with New Zealand First MP, Jamie Arbuckle.Jamie was elected on the New Zealand First List at the 2023 General Election. Jamie...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Jamie Arbuckle

  28. McLiesh’s mask-slip demonstrates why next treasury appointment is so vital

    The Taxpayers’ Union says New Zealanders can confidently welcome the departure of Treasure Secretary Caralee McLiesh, who is headed back to Australia and has made a departure swan song calling for a capital gains tax to help paper over unsustainable government finances.Responding to the comments, Taxpayers’ Union Executive...

    Read more about McLiesh’s mask-slip demonstrates why next treasury appointment is so vital

  29. Kiwi households paying almost double in rates compared to OECD average

    An IRD report has today confirmed what many ratepayers have long suspected; New Zealand households are paying almost double the amount of rates, or similar land tax equivalents, than the average of its OECD neighbours.Commenting, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:“This report...

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  30. Taxpayer Update: | Jet-setting councils ✈️ | Time to sell Kiwibank ⏰ 🏦 | Collins sends space-grifters packing 🚀

    Last week, Christopher Luxon had a good go at wasteful local councils, telling them that the big spending 'party is over'. And boy, did they take it personally! Ever wondered why everyone who works in local government always has such a perfect tan? 🤔🏝️Scores of councillors took to social...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: | Jet-setting councils ✈️ | Time to sell Kiwibank ⏰ 🏦 | Collins sends space-grifters packing 🚀

  31. TVNZ’s $85 million loss proves why they need to be sold

     TVNZ has recently reported that they have lost over $85 million during the 2023/24 fiscal year. This comes off the back of huge executive bonuses, program cancellations and falling trust ratings.Commenting on these announcements, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“TVNZ’s abysmal $85 million loss, falling program quality and...

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  33. Taxpayer Victory: Health Research Council to actually research health

    Responding to Minister of Health Shane Reti’s announcement that Health Research Council grants are being refocused towards research that improves health outcomes, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Health research isn’t a game. Lives depend on medical advancements, and every cent spent on frivalous pet...

    Read more about Taxpayer Victory: Health Research Council to actually research health

  34. MPs in Depth: Rima Nakhle

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, Rima Nakhle.Rima was elected as the MP for Takanini at the 2023 Election. She was born in Australia...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Rima Nakhle

  35. Spending $7 million on new ministerial offices completely out of touch

    Responding to reports that the Government is planning to spend $7 million on new ministerial offices, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“This spending is completely out of touch with the reality that New Zealanders are facing right now. Families are having to make difficult spending...

    Read more about Spending $7 million on new ministerial offices completely out of touch

  36. Labour’s envy tax would ruin New Zealand's economic prosperity

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Labour Party following reports that the party is actively considering adopting a capital gains tax or wealth tax policy.Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Envy taxes like these are really taxes on entrepreneurship, innovation and risk taking. A tax...

    Read more about Labour’s envy tax would ruin New Zealand's economic prosperity

  37. Government must work quickly to protect freedom to contract following Uber ruling

    Responding to the Court of Appeal ruling that four Uber drivers are employees rather than contractors, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Forcing strict and inflexible employment conditions onto the gig economy would be a lose/lose for both drivers and riders alike.“The Government must act...

    Read more about Government must work quickly to protect freedom to contract following Uber ruling

  40. Taxpayer Update: Ratepayer Victories all round | Dance comp for economic recovery?! | REVEALED Council CEO Richlist | $73k trees

     For the staff here at the Taxpayers' Union, we're always looking for new ways to torture poke-fun at Jordan. But after making him sit through three days of this year's Local Government New Zealand conference, even we felt bad for him!Day one included 43 minutes of pōwhiri, 15...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Ratepayer Victories all round | Dance comp for economic recovery?! | REVEALED Council CEO Richlist | $73k trees

  41. MPs in Depth: Grant McCallum

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Grant McCallum.Grant was elected as the MP for Northland at the 2023 General Election. Grant is a...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Grant McCallum

  43. Council Chief Executive Rich List

    CouncilCEO2022/2023 Remuneration*Annual ChangeNotesWest Coast Regional CouncilDaryl LewNot AvailableNot AvailableNot Publicly availableAuckland CouncilPhil Wilson$648,900$6,115Source,page 101Otago Regional CouncilDr Pim Borren$595,924($40,460)Source, page 148Hawke's Bay Regional CouncilBill Bayfield$584,000$253,415Source, Page 125Christchurch City Council Dawn Baxendale $543,943$17,094Source, page 345Tauranga City CouncilMarty Grenfell$537,024$11,963Source, page 262Wellington City CouncilBarbara McKerrow$513,970$46,216source, page 113Far North District CouncilGuy Holroyd$511,000$80,300Source, Page 99Dunedin City...

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  44. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes rejection of further space industry corporate welfare

    The Taxpayers’ Union is congratulating Judith Collins for rejecting further corporate welfare for the space industry via the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre that, despite promises of 1300 high-paying jobs and $2.4 billion in economic benefits, has seriously underperformed.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The failure of the aerospace...

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  45. Government needs to take its own advice after funding $1.5 million dance competition

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government for teaming up with Auckland Council to spend $1.5 million ($750,000 each) on funding a dancing competition less than 24 hours after hounding the local government sector for wasting money on nice-to-haves rather than must-haves.“The Government is ignoring it’s own advice,...

    Read more about Government needs to take its own advice after funding $1.5 million dance competition

  46. Luxon drops truth bombs at Local Government conference 😳

     I'm emailing from the Local Government New Zealand annual conference in Wellington.LGNZ are the organisation that were bribed given taxpayer money by Nanaia Mahuta to endorse the last Government’s anti-democratic 'Three Waters', despite LGNZ (apparently) standing for ‘localism’ and ‘democracy’ – the very things Three Waters would have undermined...LGNZ...

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  47. Has Luxon just delivered the best speech on local government in a generation?

    The Prime Minister’s speech at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference this afternoon is arguably ‘the best speech on local government in a generation’ says the Taxpayers’ Union.Speaking from the conference, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“Christopher Luxon delivered a speech today that is on the...

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  50. Kiwibank must be sold

    Responding to the Commerce Commission’s final report into bank competition, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The way to make Kiwibank a ‘maverick’ that has the drive to make the banking sector more competitive is to sell it to private shareholders.“When it’s people’s own money on the line,...

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  51. Taxpayer Update: ACC spending on Māori prayer 🙏🤨 | Taxpayer-funded holidays ✈️🎥 | Record high growth in bureaucrats' wages 🚀💸

     With the Reserve Bank cutting interest rates this week, there's no more important time for the Government to cut wasteful spending to ensure Adrian Orr hasn't jumped the gun and to ensure the scourge of high inflation is dealt with. Of course, your humble Taxpayers' Union has suggestions on just the place...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: ACC spending on Māori prayer 🙏🤨 | Taxpayer-funded holidays ✈️🎥 | Record high growth in bureaucrats' wages 🚀💸

  53. MPs in Depth: Parmjeet Parmar

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with ACT Party MP, Dr Parmjeet Parmar.Parmjeet has a PHD in Biological Sciences, is a businesswoman and former broadcaster and was also...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Parmjeet Parmar

  54. Seymour needs to get on top of Ministry for Regulation spin doctors

    Responding to reports that the Ministry for Regulation is hiring a ‘principal adviser, engagement and communications’ with a salary of up to $168,000 year, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Jordan Williams, said:“This Government, but particularly ACT, was elected to slash waste, but recruiting five communications staff at what should be...

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  55. Up to the public: Referendum required if council merger proceeds

    The Southland District Mayor has proposed a significant shakeup to local government by suggesting a merger of the four existing Southland Councils into two unitary authorities.Mayor Rob Scott claims the amalgamation could see savings of $10m each year by improving cost efficiencies and reducing duplication across neighbouring councils.Local Government Campaigns...

    Read more about Up to the public: Referendum required if council merger proceeds

  60. Taxpayer Update: More Taxpayer-Funded Parties 💸🎈 | Three Waters Victory 💦💦 | Wellington Water boss quits 👋 | EV Charging Rort 🔌

     This week we farewell the CEO of Wellington Water, reveal the latest extravagant taxpayer-funded party(s), expose the Ministry of Education's wayward priorities, and share our exclusive intel collected from the National Party's conference... We will also give you an update on the Government's unwinding of Labour's Three Waters...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: More Taxpayer-Funded Parties 💸🎈 | Three Waters Victory 💦💦 | Wellington Water boss quits 👋 | EV Charging Rort 🔌

  61. MPs in Depth: Katie Nimon

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Katie Nimon.Katie was elected as the MP for Napier at the 2023 General Election. Born and raised...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Katie Nimon

  62. Government wasted $2.2 million on Ministry of Education’s EV chargers, needs lessons in climate policy

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Ministry of Education and EECA have spent $2,159,815.62 (including GST) installing 297 electric vehicle charging points on Ministry of Education sites since 2022. Almost half of this expense was incurred in the most recent financial year.Commenting on...

    Read more about Government wasted $2.2 million on Ministry of Education’s EV chargers, needs lessons in climate policy

  65. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes progress on Three Waters replacement

    Responding to the Government’s announcement that they intend to improve access to finance for water council-controlled organisations (CCOs), Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The Government is listening to New Zealanders who overwhelmingly opposed Labour’s expensive, bureaucratic and undemocratic Three Waters reforms.“It is fantastic to see them delivering...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes progress on Three Waters replacement

  66. Taxpayer Update: EXPOSED: 'White privilege' workshops 🚫🤦🏻‍♀️ | TVNZ's expensive rebrand ✨🪩 | Stealth tax continues 🙉🤫 | Council savings needed 🎯✅ | Worst deal ever 🏗️🤯

    EXPOSED: Taxpayers continuing to fund "white privilege workshops" for MBIE mandarins 🚫🤦🏻‍♀️Do you remember when the new Government insisted they were going through departmental spending line-by-line?Well someone should have gone to Specsavers if our latest waste exposé is anything to go by.On Sunday, your humble Taxpayers' Union blew the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: EXPOSED: 'White privilege' workshops 🚫🤦🏻‍♀️ | TVNZ's expensive rebrand ✨🪩 | Stealth tax continues 🙉🤫 | Council savings needed 🎯✅ | Worst deal ever 🏗️🤯

  67. MPs in Depth: Andy Foster

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with New Zealand First MP, Andy Foster.Andy is a former mayor of Wellington and also served nine terms as councillor making him...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Andy Foster

  69. TVNZ’s $1.5M Rebrand a Smokescreen for Poor Performance and Declining Trust

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that TVNZ spent $1.5 million on rebranding their online streaming service from TVNZ OnDemand to TVNZ+Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“This extravagant expenditure comes at a time when TVNZ is plagued by poor management, declining revenue, and a growing mistrust among viewers. It is time...

    Read more about TVNZ’s $1.5M Rebrand a Smokescreen for Poor Performance and Declining Trust

  74. Taxpayer Update: Tax 'Relief' | Chaos at HealthNZ 🏥💸 | Exposing + Eliminating Council Waste 💰🔥 | Victory for Democracy 🗳️🌟

     Tax 'relief' this week (if you can call it that)No doubt the big story the Government will want the media focus on this week is their tax reductions finally coming into force. But sadly, it's not really tax relief when New Zealanders are still paying a higher average rate...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Tax 'Relief' | Chaos at HealthNZ 🏥💸 | Exposing + Eliminating Council Waste 💰🔥 | Victory for Democracy 🗳️🌟

  75. Pinot Nah: Taxpayer handouts for wine industry must stop

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government for celebrating the opening of a taxpayer-funded experimental vineyard saying they should be pruning back corporate welfare, not championing it.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The Government is loading the risk of this experiment onto taxpayers while allowing private businesses to...

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  76. MPs in Depth: Dana Kirkpatrick

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Dana Kirkpatrick.Dana defines herself as staunchly East Coast, having been born and raised in Gisborne, and has...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Dana Kirkpatrick

  78. Bureaucratic incompetence as Hastings Council sells $1m building for $150k

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Hastings District Council for purchasing a building for $1 million only to sell it for $150,000 just two years later.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This appears to be yet another case of a council not doing its due diligence before forking...

    Read more about Bureaucratic incompetence as Hastings Council sells $1m building for $150k

  79. Taxpayers and ratepayers must stop funding ‘Rebel Business School’ Rort

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on councils and government agencies to cease funding of Rebel Business School after it was revealed using offical information laws that almost $2 million of taxpayer and ratepayer money has been spent on the scheme.Rebel Business School provides unaccredited certificates and training for those...

    Read more about Taxpayers and ratepayers must stop funding ‘Rebel Business School’ Rort

  80. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes return of democracy to Tauranga

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union congratulates Tauranga Mayor-elect Mahé Drysdale and the rest of the Council on a successful campaign and welcomes the overdue return to democracy.Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren, said:“After being stripped of democracy in early 2021, and then again being shamefully denied...

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  81. Health NZ Board sacking highlights failure of centralisation-at-any-cost agenda

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the sacking of the Health NZ Board who have failed to meet performance expectations but says the blame should also sit with the previous Government.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Centralising and restructuring the health system into a bureaucratic behemoth was never going to deliver...

    Read more about Health NZ Board sacking highlights failure of centralisation-at-any-cost agenda

  82. Taxpayers’ Union opposes plain packaging laws for infant formula

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Food Safety Minister, Andrew Hoggard, to reject calls for further red tape requiring plain packaging for infant formula products.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This Government, but particularly the ACT Party, was elected to cut red tape, not create even more. Plain...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union opposes plain packaging laws for infant formula

  83. Universities must tackle bloat, not cry for more handouts

    Responding to calls from universities for the Government to renew a ‘one-off’ funding increase, the Taxpayers’ Union is telling the universities to tackle the bloat in non-academic staff in order address their financial challenges.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Research from The New Zealand Initiative has shown that New Zealand...

    Read more about Universities must tackle bloat, not cry for more handouts

  85. My Last Taxpayer Update: Nationwide double-digit rate hikes | Government-backed newsgrab | Adrian Orr's digital cash - Taxpayers' Union

     This will be the last time you'll hear from me as Head of Campaigns – it is with a heavy heart I'm letting you know that this is my last week at the Taxpayers' Union (see the very end of this email). But first...Exposed: Councils hiking rates at more...

    Read more about My Last Taxpayer Update: Nationwide double-digit rate hikes | Government-backed newsgrab | Adrian Orr's digital cash - Taxpayers' Union

  87. MPs in Depth: Tanya Unkovich

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with New Zealand First MP, Tanya Unkovich.Tanya was elected on the New Zealand First Party list at the 2023 General Election....

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Tanya Unkovich

  88. Wellington land rates review should focus on bringing rates down

    Wellington land rates review should focus on bringing rates downResponding to discussions in Wellington around the introduction of rates based on the underlying value of land rather than developments built on top, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Rather than trying to chuck $32 million at its...

    Read more about Wellington land rates review should focus on bringing rates down

  90. Taxpayer Update: Golden handshake for incompetence 👋🤑 | NZQ-Ay? Yet another rebrand 💸🤬 | NEW POLL: Government gains, Labour drops 📊💥

    It's been a recess week at Parliament this week, but even with some of the top political leaders out of the country, the scourge of government waste persists ...At the same time, good news for the Government (and Mr Luxon) in this month's exclusiveTaxpayers' Union – Curia Poll...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Golden handshake for incompetence 👋🤑 | NZQ-Ay? Yet another rebrand 💸🤬 | NEW POLL: Government gains, Labour drops 📊💥

  94. Interest rates freeze shows need to take an axe to Government waste

    The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has once again held the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.5%. Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Sky-high interest rates are punishing Kiwi families and stunting economic growth. New Zealanders will keep getting relatively poorer until...

    Read more about Interest rates freeze shows need to take an axe to Government waste

  95. Government finally getting it on emissions reduction

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) framework released for consultation today that will reduce the cost of emissions reduction in New Zealand.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The Government should be agnostic about where reductions in net emissions come from, whether that...

    Read more about Government finally getting it on emissions reduction

  99. Protecting Uber freedom to contract a win/win for both passengers and drivers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Government’s review into how workers in the gig economy are treated and backs calls to protect the freedom of contract and allow Uber drivers to remain as contractors.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Services like Uber offer drivers the ability to be...

    Read more about Protecting Uber freedom to contract a win/win for both passengers and drivers

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